Benson is preparing for a day of motorcycles, barbecue and community support when the fourth annual Veterans Day of Honor Ride & Whole Hog Cook-Off returns Saturday, November 14, 2026.

The fundraiser runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Freedom Biker Church, 669 Tarheel Road, with all proceeds benefiting local veterans. The Benson Area Chamber of Commerce event listing provides the schedule and registration details.

A day to honor local veterans

The celebration combines a motorcycle ride with a whole-hog barbecue competition, vendor market, music and awards.

Organizers are inviting riders, cooking teams, vendors, sponsors and volunteers to participate. Visitors can also support the cause by making a donation to taste and judge the barbecue.

The event is designed to bring different parts of the community together around a shared purpose: helping veterans close to home.

For families and friends, the gathering offers an opportunity to enjoy a local tradition while contributing to a meaningful cause.

The motorcycle ride starts the morning

According to the tentative schedule, rider registration takes place from 9 to 10 a.m., with a $10 fee per person.

A prayer is scheduled for 10 a.m., followed by the motorcycle ride's departure at approximately 10:15 a.m.

The riders are expected to return around 11:45 a.m. Participants should confirm route information and any ride requirements directly with organizers.

The morning also includes a flag-raising ceremony scheduled for 11:15 a.m.

Whole-hog barbecue and friendly competition

Cooking teams will prepare whole hogs and compete for cash prizes. The published awards are $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third.

Team entry fees are listed at $150 to $200, including the hog.

Visitors who want to sample the barbecue and help select a favorite can make a $10 donation. The donation allows tasting and one vote per person.

Tasting and judging registration is scheduled to open at 11 a.m., with the meal beginning around noon.

Barbecue is a long-standing North Carolina tradition, and the cook-off gives local cooks an opportunity to showcase their skills.

Every tasting donation helps connect the enjoyment of a barbecue lunch with support for local veterans.

Music, vendors and prizes

The vendor market is scheduled to operate from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Live music is planned for 12:15 p.m. with a special guest, followed by the band 180 at 1 p.m.

Organizers expect to announce awards, recognize sponsors and distribute door prizes beginning around 2 p.m.

The schedule is marked tentative, so individual activity times could change.

Visitors interested in the day's program should review the Benson Chamber events calendar for updates.

Opportunities for businesses and volunteers

The event is seeking sponsors, vendors and volunteers in addition to cooking teams.

Sponsorship opportunities range from $100 to $1,500, according to the published announcement.

Vendor setup is free, but vendors must register with organizers.

Volunteers are needed to help with parking, greeting guests, registration and vendor setup.

The organizer states that registration must be completed by November 5, 2026. Anyone interested in helping should contact the event team before that deadline.

Important registration and safety information

The Chamber listing identifies Christy at Freedom Biker Church as the only authorized registration contact.

Organizers specifically warn participants to avoid scams and to register through Christy or the Freedom Biker Church app.

Questions can be directed to Christy@FreedomBikerChurch.com or 919-868-3697 by call or text.

A cooks' meeting and hog pickup are scheduled for Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m., ahead of the main Saturday event.

Plan your visit

The event takes place Saturday, November 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Freedom Biker Church, 669 Tarheel Road in Benson.

Motorcycle riders should arrive during the 9–10 a.m. registration period, while visitors mainly interested in barbecue may want to plan around the midday tasting.

Because this is an outdoor event, check the weather and bring appropriate clothing.

For registration and the latest schedule, visit the official Veterans Day of Honor event page.

Whether you ride, cook, volunteer or simply enjoy a plate of barbecue, the event provides a practical way to show appreciation for veterans in the Benson community.